The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a strong warning to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, demanding faster delivery and strict adherence to contractual timelines during ongoing infrastructure works.

According to a report by Channels Television, Umahi delivered the message on Tuesday during an inspection tour of key road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo States.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on sections of the Abuja–Lokoja Dual Carriageway and the Obajana Junction–Benin Road dualisation project, stating that progress on some sites fell below expectations.

The minister disclosed that due to funding limitations, the scope of a section of the Abuja–Lokoja road project had been reduced to allow resources to focus on more critical areas.

During the inspection, Umahi insisted that no section of a federal highway should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction, issuing an ultimatum to a contractor to complete work within the stipulated timeframe or risk contract termination.

He also issued a 72-hour deadline to another contractor, urging the effective use of previously released funds to ensure visible progress on site.

While criticising slow performance on some projects, Umahi commended JRB Construction Company for its quality and pace of work, describing it as an example of professionalism.

He added that improved supervision would be enforced through Federal Controllers of Works, engineers, and project supervisors to ensure accountability and proper utilisation of public funds.

The minister also noted that the Federal Government inherited a heavily deteriorated road network but maintained that ongoing efforts under President Bola Tinubu are aimed at improving national infrastructure delivery standards.